Dozens of agencies join forces for Sail Boston security

Large-scale events in Boston mean tight security and the involvement of multiple agencies.

Sail Boston is a water-based event, which means extra agencies, like the Coast Guard and Navy, are involved. Boston is also the only city in the United States being visited by the Tall Ships, which makes Sail Boston a national event. Due to it being a national event, federal agencies like the FBI are involved.

In all, there were more than 40 agencies out on the streets and behind the scenes this weekend. They worked around the clock to keep people safe.

The City of Boston’s Department of Innovation and Technology helped coordinate these agencies. We assisted the City’s Department of Emergency Management in setting up a Joint Operations Center. The City set up headquarters near the event so that agencies could be close to the action.

One of our most important security roles was providing network services for each agency using the City’s fiber optic network, also known as BoNET. Having every agency on the same network is helpful in such big events. We're able to increase communication and keep information secure.

We also provided every agency with internet access, phones, and desktop and printing services. It’s very important that all agencies stay connected during big events. At least one of our technicians was on-site at all times in case of a connectivity issue. There was also an on-site help desk for each day of the event.

Connecting agencies through BoNET has another huge benefit — camera-sharing. Cameras from each agency could be viewed alongside each other. This included the Coast Guard’s helicopter camera and security cameras from Boston Police. Additional cameras, like multiple panoramic cameras from Axis Technology, were also used for the event, creating an even higher level of surveillance. In the case of an emergency, the Joint Operations Center had multiple views to choose from.

By all accounts, it was a huge group effort to get as much security coverage of the event as possible.

Every agency worked together. Agents and officers sat side-by-side while the event was going on. They monitored the camera systems and constantly communicated with agents and officers out in the field.

Everyone had a clear role in the case of an emergency. Some were assigned to alerting first responders. Others were assigned to releasing information out to the public.

These agencies, working together, were key to making the weekend a success. The Joint Operations Center will remain active throughout the week to ensure the safety of visitors.

The ships will be here until Thursday, June 22. Interested in attending Sail Boston? Here’s what you need to know.